Moving to France: every visa & residency route in 2026
There are 3 ways to move to France legally as of 2026 — spanning retirement and investment routes. Here's every one, what it actually requires, and where it leads.
All 3 routes checked against official government sources · July 2026 · how we verify
Every route, side by side
| Route | Type | Requirement | Leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS «visiteur») | Retirement | $1,596/mo income | Citizenship in ~5 yrs |
| Passeport Talent — business creator | Investment | $32,400 investment | Citizenship in ~5 yrs |
| Passeport Talent — economic investor | Investment | $324,000 investment | Citizenship in ~5 yrs |
Retirement route to France
Compare retirement & passive-income visas across every country →
$1,596/mo income
Driven by a $1,596/mo income bar and annual renewal.
France's passive-income route: prove stable resources at about the French minimum wage (~€1,478/mo net) plus private health cover, and sign that you won't work for a French employer. Renewable yearly with no cap, and a 2026 rule now allows remote work for a foreign employer. Long-term residence and naturalisation open after about five years.
Official source →Investment routes to France
Compare golden visas & residency-by-investment programs across every country →
$32,400 investment
Modest by comparison: $32,400 of committed capital.
EUR 350 in total — a EUR 300 administrative fee plus EUR 50 stamp duty payable when you collect the card. The long-stay visa is charged separately (EUR 99). Converted at ~1.08 USD/EUR. Fee source (checked 2026-08) →
For founders building a real business in France: at least €30,000 of project financing (not necessarily liquid cash), a Master's degree or five years' experience, and personal resources at about the annual minimum wage. The multi-year 'Talent' card runs up to four years, family gets immediate work rights, and a 10-year card is possible after three years.
Official source →$324,000 investment
Driven by $324,000 of committed capital.
The direct-investment route: at least €300,000 into the fixed assets of a French company, with a commitment to create or keep jobs. The multi-year 'Talent' card runs up to four years with family included, a 10-year resident card follows after three years, and naturalisation after about five.
Official source →Next steps: the money side
Set up your finances before and after you move.
Planning a move to France?
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Information only, not legal advice — we never file anything with any government. Requirements change; verify with the official source or a licensed immigration advisor before you apply.
Moving to France: FAQ
How many ways are there to move to France?
This dataset tracks 3 residency or visa routes into France as of 2026, across retirement, investment pathways. Each has its own income, investment, or heritage requirement.
What's the lowest-income way to get residency in France?
The most accessible income-based route is the Long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS «visiteur») at roughly $1,596/month. Requirements reset annually and move with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source before you apply.
Does moving to France lead to a second passport?
Yes — at least one route to France has a defined path to citizenship. The exact timeline and physical-presence rules vary by program; check each route's official source below.
France, compared
Visas, cost, and healthcare side by side with the alternatives people weigh.
